UFC heavyweight fighter Brendan Schaub has officially announced that he’s calling time on his mixed martial arts career at the age of 32.
Schaub first revealed the news during an episode of ‘The Joe Rogan Experience’ podcast at the weekend, but has since released an instagram message and discussed his decision at length on the ‘Fighter & The Kid’ podcast.
Schaub last fought at UFC 184 in December of last year, losing by TKO late in the first round against Travis Browne. That was the second loss in a row for ‘Big Brown’ who had originally made his way to the UFC via The Ultimate Fighter Season 10 in 2009, reaching the final before losing by knockout to Roy Nelson.
Just days after his latest defeat his friend, UFC color commentator Joe Rogan, urged him to retire during a live podcast discussion that was so intense it was even reported on by mainstream media like the New Yorker. However, an emotional Schaub vowed to keep fighting even although the talk clearly had made an impression on him.
Since then Schaub hasn’t returned to the Octagon, but has become one of the most outspoken fighters against the UFC’s sponsorship deal with Reebok, revealing that he used to make $100,000 from his own sponsors, but would now earn just $10,000 via Reebok.
That, together with the fact that he’s now become established as an entertainment personality via ‘The Fighter & The Kid’ podcast he co-hosts with comedian Bryan Callen which has become hugely popular with millions of downloads each month and has also produced a successful spin-off line of merchandise in addition to making appearances as an analyst for the likes of FOX Sports and ESPN, has helped him come to the conclusion that he no longer needs to fight to make a living.
In total Schaub bows out of the sport with a 10-5 record which includes wins over the likes of Mirko ‘Cro Cop’, Gabriel Gonzaga and Matt Mitrione.
Read his Instagram message below and scroll down to watch the latest episode of ‘The Fighter & The Kid’.
“Life is like a book, as one chapter ends another one begins. Wish I could thank everyone of you personally (I’ll do it on my podcast) who ever watched me fight, From small shows in Denver, TUF, all the way to the UFC. What a crazy ride. There’s too many coaches & teammates to mention, you know who you are. Thanks for the continued support. I feel like things are just getting started for me. I Love everyone of you. Ciao, Big Brown.”
